Hi everyone:I want to introduce myself. I've been wet shaving since high-school, and I used a brush and creams for a good while then sold everything 5 years ago. For various reasons, I'm back. I think the Merkur safety razor I once used to use and the disposables I use now are really one in the same because every time I get a straight razor barber shop shave, my face feels different--like silk--and my attitude is great. It's different than any safety razor shave--hands down! And that's what I'm after: difference, a real shave. Being a nostalgic luddite, I miss the vintage vibe, the time, the ritual of it all. I'm happy to reenter this real shaving community, and now I want to do it right: with a straight edge razor. I've been reading a lot of posts and youtube videos, but I still have some basic questions. I'll ask them here, and if they're out of place, please let me know and I'll post them in the appropriate forum. First, I used to use Crabtree and Evelyn's best badger brush ($35), which worked fine for me. Is there another brush you all would recommend that's $40 or under? Also, before I drop a whole lot of money on straight razor outfit, I'd like to start practicing on something less expensive but still good enough to do the job correctly--whose inexpensiveness will not get in my way. What is the least expensive straight razor or shavette I can acquire to hone my skills?Thanks all!!